A just-issued letter to President Obama does not go as far as it might, but because of the VIP character of the signers, it is a significant step in the process of inducing the White House to finally move forward.

Cuba is changing because the political context of the island has changed with the retirement of Fidel Castro. There is a virtuous cycle in which less vertical relationships between the citizens and the state are emerging. These new types of links are the result of new attitudes among the population, but also of changes in several official policies.

They have patiently waited for this moment and no obstacle is going to destroy the illusion. Counting the days, vegetating at half speed, January 14 could be the start of a new life for them. Will they reach it?